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The Easiest Bread in the Entire World Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

Discover the secret to making The Easiest Bread in the Entire World with this simple, quick, and deliciously crusty recipe. Using just a few basic ingredients and a Dutch oven, you can bake a perfect artisan-style bread with a golden-brown crust and soft interior.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 6 cups bread flour (Substitute with all-purpose flour if desired, but texture will vary)
  • 2 packets rapid-rise yeast (helps the dough rise faster)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (enhances flavor and strengthens dough)
  • 3 cups warm water (water should feel warm to touch, around 100-110°F)

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the 6 cups of bread flour, 2 packets of rapid-rise yeast, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 3 cups of warm water. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. First Rise: Gently cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or optionally refrigerate for up to 2 days for a slower fermentation and deeper flavor development.
  3. Preheat Dutch Oven: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your Dutch oven inside the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes, ensuring it is very hot before baking.
  4. Shape Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and carefully turn the risen dough out onto it. Gently shape the dough into a smooth round ball without deflating it too much.
  5. Transfer Dough to Dutch Oven: Lift the shaped dough using parchment paper and carefully place it inside the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid.
  6. Bake Covered: Bake the dough at 400°F for about 1 hour with the lid on. This traps steam and helps create a crusty exterior.
  7. Finish Baking Uncovered: After 1 hour, check the crust for a golden brown color. If achieved, remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp up the crust further.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool on a wire rack for best texture. Serve warm with butter for a comforting experience.

Notes

  • Serve the bread warm with butter for the best comforting experience.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or in a bread box to maintain freshness.
  • You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days for a slower rise and richer flavor.
  • Using a Dutch oven is key to achieving the perfect crust, but you can use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid as an alternative.

Keywords: easy bread recipe, crusty bread, artisan bread, no-knead bread, homemade bread, dutch oven bread